Nova the Bison Calf: Joyful Birth, Brief Life, Butterfly Memory

Nova, a bison calf born June 28, 2026 at the South Park Buffalo Preserve, was named after a butterfly moment that comforted a grieving group member; despite hand-feeding, Nova died at 4 a.m. a few days later as Crimson mourned nearby, with a yellow butterfly later seen as a sign of Nova’s presence—an example of how nature entwines birth, loss, and memory. The article also notes the high mortality risk for newborn calves, including weak calf syndrome.